Seven Pints of Blood

On Sunday July 21, 2019 Chris Wellman, a loving father of four, devoted husband, and skilled craftsman - who also happens to be my brother-in-law - almost lost his life. Shortly after my sister and their kids left Maine for a visit to New York Chris began suffering from severe upper abdominal pains. Eventually, he drove himself to Pen Bay hospital in Rockport Maine. By the time he arrived, he was unable to stand or walk and was rushed into the ER. He ended up undergoing emergency surgery on his abdomen with doctors initially thinking an ulcer had bore a hole through his stomach. When they opened him up, doctors quickly realized that it was much more severe than that....

60% of his abdominal cavity was filled with blood. Chris had been experiencing severe internal bleeding from an unknown source. A Miracle Team of doctors, nurses and others frantically worked to find and stop the bleeding.  He was bleeding so badly that he took 7 pints of blood - someone of his size would typically have approximately 11 pints total. This was all the blood in the hospital's supply, so he was secured and prepared for flight - mid surgery. He was air-lifted to Portland and the surgery continued the following morning.

Thanks to two amazing surgery teams, Chris was released from the hospital yesterday, only five days after going through this unimaginable ordeal. 

Ultimately, doctors believe that a small artery feeding his spleen ruptured causing the sudden internal bleeding. They have no answers as to why this may have occurred. Chris lost both his spleen and his gall bladder, and is now embarking on a long road to recovery.  If Chris hadn't gotten himself to the hospital as quickly as he did, he likely would not have made it. 

As an incredibly talented and skilled craftsman Chris earns a living and provides for his family by building fine furniture and kitchen cabinets. Needless to say, he won't be working for a while. Which is why I'm here. 

With medical bills mounting and four children to provide for, Chris and his family are going to need some financial assistance to help get them through the many difficult days that lie ahead. Neither he, nor my sister would ever ask for it themselves, but I am proud to do it on their behalf. Anything you could spare would greatly benefit a wonderful and loving family - and would be much appreciated. 

Thank you!